Local Thermochemical Mechanisms in Direct Solar Graphite Synthesis from Methane.

Methane pyrolysis is known to produce hydrogen and solid carbon in a variety of thermal processes. However, the generated carbon product typically belongs to a low-value amorphous type. Here, we elucidate the thermochemical mechanisms of a reaction that produces high-quality graphite via direct solar methane pyrolysis on a porous substrate. By comparing graphite deposition rates and local reaction zone temperatures of exposed and shadowed regions from the same experiment, we clarify the effects of thermolysis and photolysis in this emission-free process that both decarbonizes a fuel and produces a critical material for the sustainable energy transition.
Competing Interests: The authors declare the following competing financial interest(s): Timothy S. Fisher and R. Mitchell Spearrin are co-founders of SolGrapH, Inc., a company specializing in solar-thermal material synthesis. This submitted work is an independent academic study and is not associated with commercial endeavors or intended as a promotion. The other authors have no competing interests to disclose.
(© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)